Hello everyone! Just a quick announcement/update post this week, back to usual as soon as possible though! I’m working on some new stuff for the blog (as I previously briefly talked about when I went on my study break) which involves me organising a new blogging schedule for myself, updating my software etc. – as well as getting to grips with new processes for my posts as I implement a few new ideas. I’m going to be learning how to work with new software, and swapping about my blogging schedule, so please bear with me while I plan and get used to the changes!

Ps. You can follow me on Facebook/Twitter/Email (links on the sidebar) to be kept up to date!

UPDATE: (Oct 2015) : Hi everyone, me again! Sorry for the delay in updating the blog, but it has been a very unexpectedly hectic past couple of weeks. The blog should be back to normal, fully updated, and with plenty of new posts from the end of October. Normally it would have been a lot quicker than this, but in the past couple of weeks I have

*Managed to smash my blogging camera (and after attempting to use back up cameras- which were terrible- I will now have to wait until my first month of work is over to be able to afford a new replacement)

*Graduated College

*Been in America for just under 2 weeks

*Been contracted for Accounting work

*Managed to bag a new dream job, which has been a lot of work trying to get in itself!

*Computer has refused to co-operate with new software

So yes it has been a bit bumpier than I imagined. Thanks for sticking with me through the updates- I will be back soon! Hopefully with a new camera too

Since I’m back on my healthy eating again after spending last weekend at the brilliant Edinburgh Foodie Festival I thought it would be a good opportunity to post my favourite protein shake (well it’s really a smoothie I suppose, but never mind, I’m calling it a shake) of the moment. I’ve recently greatly increased my Muay Thai training, so have been raising my protein intake, and calories, as a result. It’s worth mentioning that this is designed to be eaten as a meal, like for breakfast, for example.

Most people when you say “protein shake” would probably gag at the thought (I’ve tried a few shakes that have been pretty tough on the old taste buds to be fair) but this one is tasty and incredibly filling. I got the idea for this recipe off one of the shakes in this great article (“48 delicious protein shake recipes”- specifically the Banana Almond cream shake) I saw on Bodybuilding.com, and changed it up to better suit myself!

I’m not a big fan of almonds, wanted to take the “cream shake” aspect to the next level, as well as adding some spice to it, so came up with this instead! I think the cashews and coconut yoghurt take the creaminess to the next level, as well as making it extra filling.

To make this, you will need:

**Note: Due to my protein powder, you may need less or more milk, as mine tends to act as a strong thickener.

2 x Ripe Bananas

Vanilla Extract (1stp)

80ml- Vanilla Protein Powder (I used dairy free soya protein)

150ml of Coconut milk (This will vary)

1 dessert spoon cashew butter (Homemade or bought)

1.5 heaped dessert spoons of Coconut yoghurt

Large pinch of Cinnamon

The first step is to make the cashew butter- but if you don’t fancy making your own (and saving yourself doing the resulting washing up in the process!) then shop bought cashew butter is perfect for the job too. I explain how I make your own cashew butter in my “Sweet cashew stuffed dates” here, and I would also ask that you don’t judge me on my very dark photos. My earlier posts when I first started my blog were done at night, in the dark, with no natural light… I think the difference is obvious!

Anyway, once you’ve prepared the cashew butter, it’s time to blend the bananas with the protein powder. This should make a thick mixture, as no thin liquids have been added yet.

Blend the mixture thoroughly until it’s smooth, then add in the coconut milk until you achieve a shake- like consistency. On a side note, I made my own cashew butter for this- and if there is anything better in the food world than eating fresh cashew butter out a tub then I have yet to find it! Pour into a glass (with some ice if you fancy), top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and drink straight away! Seriously though, drink it straight away, because protein shakes don’t keep well!